This is Leo – My Life, My Story, Our Shared Journey

My name is Leo. I’m 53 and I’ve called Northern Ireland home since 8 December 2009. My wife, our young son, and I left China for a quieter life, a chance to grow our family beyond the one-child policy, and to give our children the freedom to choose their own paths. This is my story – one of hard work, integration, and the simple truth that we’re all human, no matter where we’re from.

Why We Came – And Why We Stayed

Back in China, I qualified as an accountant in 2004 and worked in a commercial bank. But I wanted more – to teach, to experience a different culture. I trained Chinese professionals in UK accountancy qualifications, and that taste of British systems, values, and ways of life planted a seed. China was crowded, loud, fast. We dreamed of space, fairness, and a place where our children could breathe freely.

We arrived as a highly skilled migrant family. The first years weren’t easy – everything was new, the language tricky even with my decent English, and I’d left behind all I knew. But I found work quickly: first in a small accountancy firm, then as finance accountant in a family manufacturing business in Newtownards. The people there were kind – they treated me like one of their own.

In 2016, I started my own firm. I help small businesses – mostly Chinese ones in NI, but anyone who needs bookkeeping, accountancy, or business advice. Nine years on, we’ve grown. I now employ nine people, including my son, who came back from international banking in England to join me. We even opened an office in Dublin. We’ve worked hard to belong – sharing our culture, learning local ways, and building a life here.

Being Chinese in Northern Ireland – The Small Moments That Hurt

I still see myself as Chinese – that connection runs deep. But I’ve changed too, especially through my children. They’ve taught me how to communicate, how to fit in. We wanted them to have choices we never had in China – no parent deciding their school, their career, their life. I’m so proud they make their own decisions.

But labels stick. People see my face, hear my accent, and assume. I’ve had strangers snap at me over nothing – rude, aggressive, like I wouldn’t understand. I always wonder: if I looked and sounded local, would they speak to me that way?

I’ve helped others facing worse. A friend’s parents spoke no English – their son was turned away from school, “no space.” I spoke to the principal. Suddenly, there ‘was’ space. Language is a wall, even when you know some English. We speak differently, act differently – that doesn’t make us less. We’re not stupid. We’re human.

My son struggled when he arrived – a young boy speaking mostly Chinese, trying to join groups of boys who ignored him. It broke my heart. But he found good friends and despite some difficulties, he now thrives. My daughter was born here, spoke only Chinese for three years, and was silent in nursery at first. Now she speaks English, has friends and has fun – though learning Chinese is her challenge, not mine!

Even second-generation Chinese face this. My children say they’re British or Irish, but because they ‘look’ Chinese, people still see “foreigner.” We’re not. We’re from here, and from there – and that’s okay.

The People Who Helped Me Belong

One man changed everything for me – a friend born in China in the 1950s, here since the 1970s. He calls himself Irish. We talk for hours – about life, community, everything. He’s my mentor, my bridge. Through him, I understand this place better, and I hope others understand me.

In Belfast, I chat with neighbours over roses, family, the weather – and yes, we grumble about politicians. It’s universal! I love that Northern Ireland values family and hard work, just like I do. I work 60+ hours a week, but I love it. I pay my taxes with pride. After 16 years, though, I still can’t vote – as I’m not a citizen yet.

Sharing Culture, Building Bridges

I don’t just take from this community – I give back. I volunteer at events, share Chinese stories, food, traditions. I’m part of the ‘This is Me’ campaign because someone has to speak up. It’s not easy opening your life like this, but if my story helps one person see past the stereotype, it’s worth it.

Like a marriage, community takes work. We’re all busy, but we must make time to listen, to learn, and to understand one another. I want to know more about local culture – and I want you to know mine. We’ve been here 16 years and we’re still learning.

What I Love About Belfast – And What I Hope For

I love Belfast’s pace – busy, but not crushing. You can get around, breathe, feel safe. People here are warmer than in many UK cities. We feel at home.

For Northern Ireland’s future? A stronger economy. Public services that ‘work’ – easy to use, reliable. When systems function and people thrive, we all get along better. Simple as that.

My Message to You

Multiculturalism isn’t a slogan. It’s about friendship. It’s about listening to someone else’s story.  It’s about understanding. No one is second-class. We’re all human. I know we’ll never erase prejudice entirely, but if we judge less, respect more, and see each other as people – not labels – we’ll learn together, live together, and maybe even love this place a little more.

This is me. This is us. Let’s keep talking.

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